The relief that flooded through me was almost overwhelming. “You’re sure? Because Thomas said you’d probably want to pick everything out yourself, and I told him you didn’t have time for that, but if you’d rather?—”
She covered my mouth with her hand. “Stop talking.”
I closed my mouth.
“This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.” Her voice was thick with emotion. “You thought of things I never would have… a humidifier?”
“I wanted him to have a proper room. A safe place. Even if it is temporary until you have permanent custody.” I looked over at the crib where Elias was starting to stir. “Every kid deserves that.”
She reached up and cupped my face with her palm. “You’re amazing.”
Before I could respond, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to my cheek. But instead of the quick kiss from earlier, she lingered there, her breath warm against my skin, her lips soft and still. For a moment that stretched longer than it should have, she stayed close enough that I could feel the flutter of her eyelashes, could smell the faint scent of her shampoo. When she finally pulled back, it felt like the air was sucked from the room.
“Thank you,” she whispered against my lips.
From the doorway, Thomas cleared his throat loudly. “Should I come back later, or are you two done having a moment over baby furniture?”
Cora laughed and stepped back, color flooding her cheeks. “We should get him settled. He’ll be hungry soon.”
I was still processing the kiss. The possessiveness I’d felt earlier was nothing compared to the surge of protectiveness that hit me now, watching her move to the crib and lean over to adjust his blanket.
“I’ll let you two get comfortable,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended.
“Okay. I’ll be down in a little while.”
I nodded, not trusting my voice. As I turned to leave, I caught Thomas’s knowing smirk.
“What?” I muttered as we walked back down the hallway.
“Nothing,” he said, but he was still grinning. “Just nice to see you happy for once.”
I wasn’t sure “happy” was the right word for what I was feeling. It was more complex than that, a mixture of satisfaction, protectiveness, and something dangerously close to what I imagined normal people called love.
Chapter Ten
CORA
Wakingup to the soft hush of Elias’s breathing filled me with a peace I didn’t even know I needed. His tiny chest rising and falling against mine as he lay atop me in his crib was magical.
I’d had no intention of falling asleep with him after his last feeding for the evening, but when he wouldn’t settle, I’d crawled into the crib with him. I’m not sure what type of mattress Jason purchased to go with the crib, but it was better than the regular mattress back in my apartment.
One minute, I’d been thinking about all the things that had happened, and the next, it was lights out. Now, through the window, a crescent moon was half hidden by the baby blue curtain that matched the baby-animal-covered quilt.
Every time I stepped inside the room, I was reminded just how amazing Jason was. I’d been so worried about getting guardianship of Elias, it hadn’t even crossed my mind to get a room set up for him. I just thought I’d cuddle him on the bed until we got back to Chicago.
My phone softly chimed in my pocket. I startled and jostled Elias before fishing it from my pant pocket and silencing it.
After a few times of running my hands over his back, he quieted down and went back to sleep. Once I was sure he was settled, I picked up my phone and checked it.
I tried to wait until you texted me, but please let me know how the court hearing went. I know it’s late, but when you see this, no matter what time it is, you text me. You hear me!
I tapped my forehead with my fist in frustration before tapping out a response to Anna.
I’m sorry, I completely forgot to text you. I was granted temporary custody.
That’s amazing news! I’d yell at you for not texting me sooner, but I’m so happy I can’t be mad. I can’t wait to meet him.
I lowered the phone until Elias’s face was in the frame and smiled as I snapped a picture before sending it.
